Bruin
Metal Works' snow guard products are designed to slow
or stop the advance of ice and snow from sliding off of
metal roofing. The slope of the roof and amount
of ice and snow it is likely to carry will determine the
number of snowguards to use. Most roof manufacturers
have established criteria for determining the number of
snow guards to use and how to arrange them on the roof.
For general guidelines, see the information below.

Rules of
thumb

The greater
the pitch the more snowguards you will need.

The greater
the amount of snow that will accumulate on the roof,
the more snowguards you will need until you reach the
point of diminishing return. That would be the
point that the weight of the accumulated ice and snow
would be dangerous to the structure.

In areas
of significant snowfall, it is advisable that snowguards
only be placed over entryways.

Some suggestions

Stagger
the snowguards. The photo at the top of this page
shows a staggered pattern being used. In this instance,
the first row of snow guards is positioned approximately
six inches
from the edge of the roof; the second row is approximately
twelve inches from the edge.

Usually
two rows of snowguards will work for a pitch of 1/12
to 5/12. For 6/12 pitch (which is a 45° slope)
and above it is recommended that an additional row of
snowguards be added.

On runs
of 18 feet or more, it is recommended to add a row of
snow guards halfway up the run. This applies to
long, steep runs, also.

Use
clear 50-year silicone caulk on the underside of each
snowguard as a seal between the guard and the roofing.
This provides additional protection against leaks and
helps to prevent potential dielectric reaction between
dissimilar metals.

Attach
snowguards to roof with appropriate length neoprene
washered screws – never use nails. "Snug" up the
screw to provide compression to the washer, but do not
over-tighten to the point that the washer tears and
the roof seam deflects.

Attach
snowguards through the roof material and into a supportive
rafter beneath. Do not fasten snowguards into
the metal roof only or into thin roof sheathing.

For further
assistance, please send us an e-mail containing the following
information:

The slope(s)
of the roof section(s) to which you are applying snow
guards. Slope is the rise of the roof over the
run. For example, a roof that gains five feet
of height over twelve feet of run would be a 5/12 pitch.

The total
length of the roof section(s) being treated.

The "typical"
amount of snow likely to accumulate on your roof based
on weather patterns in your area. For instance,
if you routinely receive two 12" snowfalls in a two-week
period, that would require more snow guards than an
area that gets four 3" snows per season.